But things have changed in recent years and South Africa now sports a number of brilliant spas. If you need to choose one, we've done all the legwork for you. Check out our brilliant new Spa Roundup Tool. Go on, spoil yourself!
Spa roundup
Used to be, all that was needed to call something a spa was a bubble-jet bath, whale music in the background, the scent of aromatherapy in the air, and one or two massage options.